The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Wilson, 28, of Boynton Beach, Florida., died Jan. 26 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting a dismounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died from wounds suffered when their unit encountered an improvised explosive device during convoy operations Jan. 28 in Mosul, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO.

13 insurgent fighters were killed, two enemy trucks destroyed and 14 improvised explosive devices were found during the combined operation, which is part of the country-wide Operation Phantom Phoenix. U.S. forces captured 18 terrorists.

In continued efforts to degrade al-Qaeda operating in the Diyala province, Coalition forces targeted individuals associated with a terrorist training facility north of Baqubah. During the operation, the ground force called for the occupants of the target buildings to come out, but they did not comply. Coalition forces entered one of the buildings and encountered armed terrorists. The ground force engaged, killing 2 terrorists.

In another building, the ground force encountered armed terrorists using women and children as human shields. While taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of innocent civilians, Coalition forces engaged the men, killing an additional 2 terrorists. 18 terrorists were captured.

U.S. targets al-Qaeda in Iraq; 5 killed, 16 captured

BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. forces killed 5 terrorists and captured 16 during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq. U.S. forces conducted an operation east of Samarra targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in terrorist operations. The individual is associated with numerous al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders (see MNF-I press release A080121a, “U.S. significantly disrupts al-Qaeda networks: 2 killed; 18 captured,” dated Jan. 21, 2008).During the operation, U.S. forces saw several armed men maneuvering in the target area and fired multiple warning shots in an attempt to get the men to stop their movement. They men did not comply, and U.S. forces engaged, killing 5 terrorists. Nearby in Samarra, U.S. forces captured a wanted individual involved in foreign terrorist networks in the region. The terrorist is associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader for the network in Samarra (see MNF-I press release A080118b, “Al-Qaeda operations in northern Iraq disrupted; 13 killed, 3 captured,” dated Jan 18, 2008). During operations this morning, U.S. forces captured 13 terrorists during 2 operations in Mosul targeting al-Qaeda senior leadership, and an additional 2 terrorists in Baghdad while targeting a terrorist involved in IED attacks.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. forces killed 15 terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks north of Baqubah.During an operation Tuesday, U.S. forces conducted an operation targeting an alleged leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in the Diyala province. The individual is an IED sprcialist involved in coordinating IED and suicide-vest attacks in the region. The individual has ties to several al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders.As U.S. forces arrived in the area, they observed several individuals reach for their weapons. U.S. forces fired warning shots in an attempt to get the men to cease their actions, but they did not comply. Perceiving hostile intent from the armed men, U.S. forces engaged, killing 2 terrorists, to include the wanted individual. Upon clearing the area, the ground force discovered IEDs and grenades, which were safely destroyed, along with a vehicle in the target area. U.S. forces returned to the region this morning, targeting another leader of the Diyala network associated with the terrorist killed during operations the previous day. As U.S. forces arrived in the target area they observed a group of enemy personnel moving into fighting positions. The ground force called supporting aircraft to engage the hostile force, killing 10 terrorists. U.S. forces continued to clear the area and called for the occupants of the target building to come out, but they did not comply. Several terrorists were then observed maneuvering toward U.S. forces. U.S. forces engaged the enemy, killing three terrorists. As U.S. forces secured the building, they discovered a cache of weapons to include machine guns, military style assault vests, rocket propelled grenades and various ammunition. Nearby, the ground force discovered additional weapons caches to include rocket propelled grenades, artillery and mortar rounds, improvised IEDs, and suicide-vest materials. All of the weapons were safely destroyed on site.

U.S. forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq, 19 terrorists captured

BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. forces captured 19 terrorists Monday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in Iraq. During an operation north of Taji Monday, U.S. forces captured a terrorist who is a key member of al-Qaeda operating in Baghdad. He is a direct subordinate of the network’s senior leader. The terrorist was involved in attacks against U.S. forces, beheadings, sniper and IED attacks. During the operation, another 7 terrorists were captured. During operations in Mosul, U.S. forces captured 11 terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda associates involved in IED attacks.

BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, captured 5 terrorists and destroyed a terrorist safe house in operations in Iraq Jan. Near the city of Taji, Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces captured 2 members of a terrorist cell specializing in suicide bombing attacks during a Jan. 19 raid. The terrorists are responsible for coordinating and providing supplies for several attacks against Iraqi and U.S. Forces. In a separate operation Jan. 18 in the town of Rutbah, an Iraqi Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, captured 3 members of an al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist cell. According to intelligence reports, the 3 terrorists are responsible for coordinating attacks against Iraqi and U.S. Forces as well as the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi citizens. They are also involved in providing weapons and funding for terrorist attacks. In another Jan. 18 operation, Iraqi and U.S. Forces destroyed a terrorist safe house and a small storage facility. They were destroyed after it was discovered that the structures had been rigged with explosives. No Iraqi or U.S. Forces were injured in these operations.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. forces killed 2 terrorists and captured 18 others during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in Iraq. Intelligence reports led U.S. forces west of Muqdadiyah to an al-Qaeda in Iraq meeting location and weapons cache. As the ground force called for the occupants of the building to come out, 2 armed terrorists maneuvered toward them. U.S. forces engaged, killing the 2 terrorists. As the ground force cleared the area, they discovered a weapons cache which they safely destroyed, along with a building used for terrorist activity. The ground force also captured 3 terrorists during the course of operations. North of Tarmiyah, U.S. forces captured two wanted terrorists who are brothers and associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating north of Baghdad. The network is involved in attacks against U.S. forces, beheadings, sniper and IED attacks. The ground force captured 4 terrorists in addition to the targeted terrorists. During an operation in Tikrit, U.S. forces captured a weapons facilitator for the terrorist network operating in the city. The man is a close associate of the al-Qaeda leader of the network. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained one other terrorist. In Sharqat, U.S. forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate planning a large-scale operation against U.S., Iraqi and Awakening forces in the Bayji area. The wanted individual relocated to Sharqat from Bayji in an attempt to avoid capture by Iraqi and U.S. forces. 6 additional terrorists were captured during the operation.

Al-Qaeda operations in northern Iraq disrupted; 13 killed, 3 captured

BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. forces killed 13 terrorists and captured 3 during operations targeting al-Qaeda.Southwest of Hawijah this morning, U.S. forces targeted a senior leader involved in the al-Qaeda in Iraq network operating in Kirkuk. The terrorist is responsible for terrorist operations in the region and involved in IED attacks. Reports also indicate he was a close associate of Abu Harith, the senior leader of the Kirkuk terrorist network, before he was killed during a U.S. forces operation Nov. 2. As U.S. forces arrived in the target area, they were engaged by small-arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. The ground force returned fire in and called for supporting aircraft. As the firefight continued, U.S. forces observed armed terrorists emerging from the target building. Supporting aircraft engaged them and enemy personnel firing from inside the target buildings. The ground force then observed secondary explosions erupt from the buildings, indicating that explosive materials were likely stored inside. Due to the hostile environment, the ground force pulled back and called for supporting aircraft to engage the buildings to destroy any remaining explosives. The ground force found a total of 9 terrorists were killed during the engagement. West of Muqdadiyah today, U.S. forces targeted al-Qaeda operating in the Diyala River Valley region. Reports indicate the individuals were associated with an al-Qaeda meeting that was targeted by U.S. forces Thursday after they identified a terrorist transporting an anti-aircraft weapon in his vehicle (see MNF-I press release A080118a, “Coalition forces conduct air strike on al-Qaeda meeting, 4 terrorists killed,” dated Jan 18, 2008). U.S. forces confirmed the presence of the terrorists in the target area and called a supporting aircraft to engage, killing 4 terrorists and destroying two buildings used for terrorist activities.

U.S. forces conduct operation, killed 15 gunmen

NEAR BAQUBA - The U.S. military killed 15 gunmen during operations north of Baquba, 45 miles north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said. * BAGHDAD - U.S. forces killed 5 gunmen and captured 16 others during operations in central Iraq, the U.S. military said. * MADAEN - Iraqi security forces killed 15 gunmen and wounded 20 others during the last 3 days in Madaen, 25 miles south of Baghdad, a spokesman said.

Iraqi Army raids enemy stronghold, 12 militants killed, 2 captured

Baghdad - Iraqi troops backed by U.S. helicopters raided an al-Qaida stronghold near Madain, 12 miles southeast of Baghdad. 12 al-Qaeda terrorists were killed in the attack. 2 wounded terrorists were captured.

Those killed included 2 female fighters and 4 men trying to plant roadside bombs.

Iraqi Army and US forces clear village, 41 al-Qaida terrorists killed in fighting

Baqouba - The U.S. military said American and Iraqi troops had cleared a bomb-infested route between Baqouba and Khan Saad, a village on the outskirts of Baghdad. The statement said troops killed 41 al-Qaida terrorists.

3 terrorists killed, 2 captured during operations targeting al-Qaeda

BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. forces killed 3 terrorists and captured 2 terrorists during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating along the Tigris River Valley. Intelligence reports led U.S. forces to conduct an operation Friday near Samarra, targeting several individuals associated with a known al-Qaeda meeting location.

During the operation, U.S. forces observed 3 armed terrorists in the target area. U.S. forces fired warning shots in an attempt to get the armed men to stop but they did not comply. U.S. forces engaged, killing the terrorists. U.S. forces found multiple machine guns, a pistol and two barrels of ammunition.

In Tikrit, U.S. forces captured the senior leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in the city. Reports indicate the terrorist is involved in bringing in weapons and foreign terrorists. The wanted individual is associated with numerous al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. One other terrorist was also captured.

Iraqi Army and U.S. Soldiers from the 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conducted a daytime air assaulted into the area. 5 of the captured men were detained after Iraqi Soldiers discovered them hiding in a hole. Soldiers described the hole as being well constructed, deep and big enough to fit 10 men.

BAGHDAD - Brig. Gen. Salah Mohammed al-Jubouri, the police chief for surrounding Ninevah province, was killed as he left the blast site. A suicide bomber who was disguised as a policeman blew himself up as the entourage was just yards away from their vehicles. The police chief was killed, along with two other officers, and five people were wounded, including three Iraqi police, an Iraqi soldier and a U.S. soldier.

Yes, we know the reports...as of Feb. 27th, we've lost 29 U.S. troops in Iraq this month. We know this because the anti-U.S. media keeps reminding us every night.

But you must also look at the terrorist losses. Each terrorist we kill and capture in Iraq is one less we have to worry about in the future. We don't have to worry about those we have killed or captured sneaking into our country to hurt us.

Our troops wouldn't want it any other way.

This is a sample of just ONE WEEK'S LOSSES to the terrorists...(I didn't put every story here). Our boys & girls out there in the military are seriously kicking terrorist butt...

U.S. forces kill 7 terrorists in firefight near Khan Bani Sa’ad

TIKRIT, Iraq – U.S. Soldiers killed 7 terrorists during a firefight near Khan Bani Sa’ad, Iraq, in the early morning hours of Feb. 25.

Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division were ambushed while conducting an operation to capture a known al-Qaeda in Iraq operative. When the Soldiers closed within 30 feet of the target house, they came under attack by small arms fire and grenades. 3 U.S. Soldiers were injured in the initial attack.

The troops, shielding their wounded buddies with their bodies, returned fire, killing 3 terrorists. A scout weapons team observed several more fighters fleeing the target house and engaged them with rockets, killing 4 more terrorists.

Two AQI (al-Qaeda in Iraq) were captured, including the targeted al-Qaeda member.

“Everyone fell back on the training, and no one panicked,” said Staff Sergeant Carl VanDyke, 2nd Platoon, Troop C, 2-1 Cav., who was one of the Soldiers involved in the attack. “Everyone was calm and engaged the enemy bravely. This was an example of great teamwork between the ground and air units.”

The 3 wounded Soldiers are in stable condition and doing well at Coalition hospitals.

U.S. Forces capture 4 key al-Qaeda leaders

BAGHDAD – U.S. Forces captured 4 key al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Baghdad Feb 24. The terrorists are associated with numerous terrorist attacks in the Baghdad area, to include vehicle-borne IED attacks, suicide VBIEDs and suicide vest IED attacks. A series of recent terrorist attacks is believed to have been actively targeting innocent Iraqi civilians and Sons of Iraq (U.S.-backed Iraqi civilian security forces).

Soldiers capture special groups leader

BAGHDAD – U.S. Soldiers captured a Special Groups commander during an operation in Baghdad’s Sha’ab neighborhood Feb. 24. The terrorist was involved in multiple improvised explosive device (IED) attacks.

Paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, detained the terrorist after receiving actionable intelligence on his activities. Several other criminal members were captured with him.

The terrorists were captured with explosively formed projectiles or EFPs. These EFPs are especially dangerous explosives being brought into Iraq by Iranian agents.

Paratroopers capture Special Groups facilitator in Sha’ab

BAGHDAD – Paratroopers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, captured a Special Groups facilitator during an operation in Baghdad’s Sha’ab neighborhood Feb. 22. The terrorist was captured after U.S. forces received actionable intelligence.

Saturday afternoon in Baghdad, U.S. forces killed a wanted terrorist and captured another wanted individual, both of whom were reportedly close associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader for the networks operating in the city. During the operation, U.S. forces detained both individuals on site. One of the terrorists then attempted to escape, lunging toward U.S. forces, who then shot and killed him.

In Baghdad, U.S. forces captured an al-Qaeda in Iraq member and one other terrorist involved in the planning of suicide attacks in the city. The terrorist had arranged to receive a suicide vest in order to attack a group of Concerned Local Citizen recruits (friendly U.S.-backed forces). Intelligence indicates the terrorist is a close associate of several leaders involved in AQI networks throughout Baghdad. Information gained from this operation led Coalition forces to a nearby location, where they captured a member of the city’s car bombing network, who is also involved in attacks against CLCs.

U.S. forces conducted an operation east of Samarra Saturday targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq associate of the Baqouba suicide bombing network. The terrorist is associated with 2 terrorists killed during operations Feb. 10.

When U.S. forces arrived in the area, they were fired on by a man matching the description of the wanted individual. Responding in self-defense, U.S. forces engaged the terrorist, killing him. As they continued to clear the area, they observed several other enemy personnel nearby, and a supporting helicopter engaged, killing 2 additional terrorists. Once the area was secure, the ground force confirmed the first terrorist killed was the wanted individual. In one of the target buildings, U.S. forces discovered what appeared to be an improvised explosive device manufacturing facility. The IED materials and several vehicles found on site were destroyed to prevent future use for terrorist attacks. U.S. forces also captured 7 terrorists.

In Samarra today, U.S. forces captured an associate of an AQI network. Reports indicate the terrorist is connected to an AQI leader associated with numerous senior terrorists operating both inside and outside Iraq.

Intelligence reports led U.S. forces to an area in Mosul believed to be a possible safe haven for a group of foreign terrorists involved in recent attacks on Iraqi and U.S. forces. During the operation, the ground force surrounded the area and captured 17 wanted terrorists.

West of Samarra Friday, U.S. forces captured an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader involved in the al-Jazirah network. The terrorist commanded a group of 10 to 15 terrorists who conduct attacks in the area.

Reports indicate the wanted individual’s two brothers are also associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network, one of whom was detained Feb. 12 for his involvement in weapons facilitation. The other brother is alleged to be an AQI executioner in the area. During the operation, the wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently captured along with six other terrorists.

During an operation in Tikrit today, U.S. forces captured 2 terrorists to include an AQI associate involved in weapons facilitation. The terrorist is involved in the recent transfer of weapons from Bayji to Tikrit. Reports also indicate the terrorist is connected to foreign terrorist safe houses and a large weapons cache found during a previous operation in the area.

5 additional terrorists were captured today while targeting an al-Qaeda car-bombing network in the city.

The operation consisted of a series of raids targeting a Special Group criminal cell operating in Sha’ab. The operation involving soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, raided multiple target houses. The operation lasted 6 hours, from shortly after midnight to just before sunrise.

The Special Group members targeted during the operation were identified by local residents, who resent the violence in their neighborhoods.

During operations Friday, U.S. forces captured an associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, who are responsible for recent attacks against the U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces in Mosul. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force captured 10 terrorists. Upon securing the area, U.S. forces discovered a weapons cache consisting of 20 mortar rounds, which was destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.

During an operation, U.S. forces targeted an al-Qaeda in Iraq associate involved in the suicide bombing and IED network that runs from Baqouba to Baghdad. Reports indicate the terrorist is associated with Abu Karrar, the AQI leader also involved in the suicide bombing network who was killed during a U.S. forces operation Feb. 17.

As the U.S. ground force arrived in the area, they were engaged by enemy fire from what appeared to be an underground bunker. U.S.A.F. fighters were called to engage the threat, killing 3 terrorists. An additional 2 enemy personnel outside the building were engaged by an Apache attack helicopter, and both were killed. As the U.S. ground force continued to clear the area, they called for the occupants of one of the target buildings to come out. One individual refused to comply and moved toward two weapons in the building. U.S. forces engaged and killed the terrorist. The ground force also captured 6 terrorists and destroyed a vehicle in the area that contained a weapons cache.

The discovery was made during a route clearance operation as part of Operation Phantom Phoenix. Because of the proximity of the VBIED to civilian population, an EOD team determined the truck would need to be removed from the neighborhood before destruction.

“A VBIED detonation of this size would kill or injure many innocent civilians. This just shows how ruthless al Qaeda is and their lack of concern for the effect of their operations on the Iraqi people,“ said Lt. Col. Christopher Johnson, commander of 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.

Insurgents kill child during attack

TIKRIT, Iraq – An Iraqi boy was killed Feb. 24 when insurgents attacked a U.S. patrol in the Palestine neighborhood of Mosul. U.S. Forces were conducting a patrol in Mosul when insurgents on a nearby road fired on the patrol. Several children were playing in the street close by when one of the bullets struck the boy.

U.S. Forces secured the site and rendered medical aid to the child. Their efforts were unsuccessful, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The insurgents’ complete disregard for the citizens of Iraq, especially the children, is a disgrace,” said Maj. Gary Dangerfield, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. “It is very disheartening to know the insurgents do not care about who they hurt or kill in the process of trying to attack Iraqi Security or Coalition Forces.”

3 Iraqi children killed by terrorists’ mortar fire while playing soccer, 7 injured

BALAD, Iraq – Three Iraqi children playing soccer were killed during a terrorist mortar attack outside Coalition force’s Logistical Supply Area Anaconda near Balad Feb. 19.

Seven other children were injured in the indirect fire attack and were treated for wounds at a Coalition forces hospital.

“The indiscriminate violence wrought by these terrorists is intolerable,” said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry, spokesperson. “We will continue to pursue terrorists and disrupt their networks across our area of operation.”

BAGHDAD, Iraq – U.S. forces captured an Iranian-backed Special Groups finance facilitator and captured 6 others early Sunday in the Suwayrah area, south of Baghdad.

The targeted individual was reportedly a finance leader for Iranian-affiliated Special Groups criminals and militias in Iraq’s southern provinces. He was also a mortar and rocket specialist who had trained in Iran. Reports indicate he was an associate of other senior-level Special Groups leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led U.S. ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and six others, along with large amounts of American currency.

Paratroopers were conducting a cordon and knock operation with the Iraqi National Police in Sha’ab when they discovered a wanted criminal. The individual is wanted for conducting IED attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces as well as intimidating local members of the Sons of Iraq security force.

While conducting a search of the man’s house, the paratroopers discovered a 60mm mortar. The individual and 6 other men were arrested after testing positive for handling explosives.

Iraqi Army performs recruiting drive despite attacks

MOSUL, Iraq – Despite 2 mortar attacks, an Iraqi Army recruiting team recruited over 2,200 Iraqi soldiers and officers here in the Ninewa province during a drive Feb. 11-19.

"This is extremely impressive, as these recruits and rejoiners had to travel through the city braving IEDs and insurgent attacks in order to be recruited into the ranks of the Iraqi Army," said U.S. Marine CPT Jose Acevedo, Iraqi armed forces recruiting advisor.

CPT Acevedo also pointed out that during the drive, the recruits continued standing their ground despite 2 separate mortar attacks near them. Elements from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division along with other teams from the Mosul and Baghdad recruiting centers provided security for the mobile recruiting site.

During the time frame, the recruiting team processed and recruited approximately 1,300 new enlistees and saw the return of nearly 1,000 former Iraqi Army noncommissioned and commissioned officers.